Statement from Joe Biden

The United States is giving $200m to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). US President Joe Biden said this on Friday, speaking at a joint press conference with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem.

"I am announcing today that the US will provide an additional $200 million to UNRWA so that it can continue its vital work of supporting Palestinians who are particularly vulnerable, and particularly Palestinian children," the American resident said. Biden also noted that the United States has given more than $500 million to Palestine in 2021 to ensure its economic development and food security. According to him, $400 million of that amount was sent by Washington to UNRWA.

In addition, Biden reiterated the US administration's position on a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. "The goal of a two-state solution has not changed over the years," President Joe Biden added.

According to the US president, the people of Palestine deserve to live in "an independent, sovereign and viable state".

It is worth noting that Biden said on Friday that the US would provide $100 million to a network of Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem.

Biden's first Middle East tour since becoming head of state runs from 13 to 16 July, visiting Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia.

Palestine and Israel resumed security cooperation last November. However, the peace process between the two countries has been suspended since 2014 due to Israel's refusal to recognise the pre-1967 war borders.